The High 11 Eyeliners of 2023

Few makeup-related issues are extra irritating than unhealthy eyeliner. End up caught with a dry, faint method that drags on the pores and skin and doesn’t ship on efficiency or pigmentation, and also you’re certain to be left with underwhelming outcomes and probably bodily irritation. However identical to a coat of mascara or a pop of lip colour can immediately improve your look, so can also a swipe of a very good eyeliner. So, we put dozens of the most well-liked choices available on the market to the check in our lab in NYC, and evaluated them primarily based on pigmentation, dry time, put on, and ease of elimination. Forward, we’re sharing those who ranked the very best, incomes them our Byrdie stamp of approval. 

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Amazon

As evidenced by our check outcomes, it’s no shock that this liquid eyeliner has maintained its recognition for a few years. It’s the whole lot you’d need a liquid eyeliner to be: simple to use, pigmented, fast-drying, clean, long-wearing, and simple to take away. Our tester loved the packaging, saying it was simple to carry and navigate the wand effortlessly, and so they liked how easily the liquid glided throughout their eyelids. The small felt tip applicator allowed them to create skinny, exact traces, or construct up the eyeliner for a thicker, extra dramatic outcome. Only one swipe offered a wealthy, jet-black colour payoff with a matte end, and the method dried fully inside seconds to forestall smearing. As soon as utilized, it didn’t smudge or run, and it was simple to take away with only a few swipes of a make-up remover. 

Along with how well-performing it’s, we love that it’s provided in eight totally different shades—this isn’t tremendous widespread in the case of liquid liner formulation. 

System: Liquid | Shades: 8| Cruelty-Free: Sure | Byrdie Clear: No

Worth at time of publish: $24

Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Eyeliner

Amazon

What We Like

• Fantastic-tip applicator

• One-swipe pigmentation

• Quick-drying

• Smudge-free

Discovering a high-quality eyeliner doesn’t require a visit to a division retailer or the necessity to spend some huge cash. The pharmacy has choices, and this one from Maybelline is our favourite. The fine-tip felt applicator permits for precision, the pigmentation is daring, and it’s simple to use with no skipping or dragging. Our tester actually appreciated that the method dried nearly immediately as a result of it helped her be certain that the liner didn’t smear. It set all the way down to a matte end, remained smudge-free on the eyes, and was painless to take away. 

It’s additionally appropriate for delicate eyes and make contact with lens wearers and has been examined by dermatologists and ophthalmologists. A high-performing product at such an inexpensive value—this one is simple for us to suggest. 

System: Liquid | Shades: 3| Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clear: No

Worth at time of publish: $8

What Our Testers Say

“l love how flawless it was to use with the tremendous skinny tip. It makes it tremendous simple for individuals who do not actually know how you can do a cat eye.” —Stephanie Cartagena, Tester

Victoria-beckham-satin-kajal-liner

Victoria Beckham

What We Like

• Easy, simple to work with method

• Twin-ended pencil has smudger on one finish

• Can be utilized for daring and subtle seems

• Stunning shade vary

• Wonderful pigmentation

Our editors and wonder lovers adore this eyeliner, and so does our tester. Except for the beautiful shade vary that options distinctive neutrals and beautiful jewel tones, the method is creamy and workable; it comes with a sponge-tip smudger on one finish of the pencil, and can be utilized to create a variety of seems. Due to the smooth, creamy method, it may be smoked out and manipulated to supply a subtle end, or it may be used for shaper, extra outlined make-up seems.  

On high of appreciating how effectively the method is ready to glide on the pores and skin, our tester liked the colourful colour payoff and the smudging device on the pencil. As a result of it may be smudged, it’s an excellent factor that it would not dry down instantly so that you’ve got a minute to work with it, however our tester famous that it takes round 20 seconds to dry down on the waterline, so hold this in thoughts. It’s additionally value noting that she skilled a little bit of smudging on her high eyelids, so we suggest utilizing an eyeshadow primer earlier than making use of it you probably have oily lids. 

System: Pencil | Shades: 11| Cruelty-Free: Sure | Byrdie Clear: Sure

Worth at time of publish: $30

KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner Vegan Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Sephora

This standard liquid eyeliner is an editor favourite and has been a staple available on the market for years. The small brush tip applicator makes creating exact definition simple and, and it offers full pigmentation in only one swipe. It glides on effortlessly, dries down nearly immediately, and stays smudge-proof as you put on it. Our tester had nothing however good issues to say in regards to the software, and liked nearly the whole lot about the way it wore, minus a tiny little bit of cracking on the outer nook of her eyes. 

It’s usually in comparison with the Stila Keep All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, and we are able to see why—they’re very comparable. We completely suggest them each, however the Stila received our greatest total choose as a result of tremendous spectacular put on and the huge vary of shades. 

System: Liquid | Shades: 2| Cruelty-Free: Sure | Byrdie Clear: No

Worth at time of publish: $23

Byrdie/ Jessica Juliao

Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘n’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil

Sephora

A creamy eyeliner pencil that glides throughout the pores and skin with ease and could be manipulated to create several types of seems is a make-up bag staple. We love this one as a result of, along with being provided in a number of elevated neutrals, it contains a creamy method that may be utilized in a strong line or could be smudged out for a blurred impact. In response to our tester, the method doesn’t should be layered, and it delivers full pigment in a single swipe. It applies on the pores and skin and waterline with out tugging or pulling, and as soon as set down, our tester had no points with operating or smudging. 

It’s value noting nonetheless, that whereas our tester didn’t have an issue with it, one constant gripe with this product in some on-line evaluations is that it smudges, primarily when used on the waterline. When you’re susceptible to eyeliner smudging, we suggest reserving this method to your higher eyelid or setting it in your waterline with a small quantity of eyeshadow. 

System: Pencil | Shades: 6| Cruelty-Free: Sure | Byrdie Clear: No

Worth at time of publish: $29

Byrdie/ Jessica Juliao

melt-cosmetics-ultra-matte-gel-eyeliner

Sephora

Some individuals discover that utilizing a small eyeliner brush and dipping right into a pot gel liner is far simpler than making use of liquid and pencil formulation. If this sounds such as you, we are able to’t suggest this gel eyeliner method sufficient. It is available in a wide range of vibrant shades on the model’s web site, which is superior for many who love experimenting with colour, however the jet-black shade is timeless and undoubtedly one thing value investing in if you happen to persistently put on black eyeliner. 

The method is smooth, moist proper out of the pot, and insanely pigmented. It glides onto the eyelids with ease, and our tester liked that though it’s light-weight and moist when choosing it up with a brush, it dries down in a short time as soon as utilized and units to a matte, waterproof end. It stays totally intact as you put on it, and our tester famous that regardless of the extremely wealthy pigmentation and moist method, it was simple to take away.

Whereas the moist method makes it smooth, light-weight, and cozy to use, it’s value noting that it may be a bit tough to get used to. We suggest beginning with a tiny quantity of product in your brush and slowly increase with the intention to keep a mistake-free software. 

System: Gel | Shades: 7| Cruelty-Free: Sure | Byrdie Clear: No

Worth at time of publish: $22

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

Lancome-drama-longwear-liqui-pencil-eyeliner

Ulta

When you’re somebody that likes to line your waterline (the internal rim of your eyelid), then discovering an eyeliner method that glides on with ease, is pigmented, and most significantly, is long-wearing, is a should. This one is implausible for the waterline as a result of it has a really clean method that’s like a hybrid between a gel and a cream, making it smooth to make use of within the delicate space. You don’t want to use a lot stress in any respect to yield unimaginable colour payoff, and as soon as utilized, it units down fully and stays completely smudge-proof. The method can also be secure for delicate eyes, appropriate for individuals who put on contacts and has been examined below ophthalmological management. 

Whereas it’s a wonderful alternative for the waterline, it additionally works fantastically on the eyelids. Our tester shared that it didn’t pull at her pores and skin or really feel exhausting or uncomfortable whereas making use of it, and he or she was even capable of take away it with only a few swipes of a make-up remover wipe. Maybe most notably, she expressed how happy she was with how effectively it wore, a real feat contemplating that she has oily eyelids. 

System: Pencil | Shades: 8| Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clear: Sure

Worth at time of publish: $23

Byrdie/ Jessica Juliao

Mac-pro-longwear-fluidline-gel-eyeliner

Ulta

What We Like

• System is simple to work with

• Units down shortly

• Wears fantastically

• Would not smudge, bleed, or run

It’s secure to say that nobody likes runny, smeared, or light eyeliner, which is why discovering a long-wearing method is so essential—particularly if you happen to’ll be carrying it throughout particular occasions or lengthy days. It is a nice long-wearing choice as a result of as soon as the waterproof method units down, it locks into place and received’t budge till you wipe it away with make-up remover. Our tester appreciated that the method is supposed for use with an eyeliner brush, permitting you full management over how a lot product you utilize. She additionally appreciated that it dried down shortly and felt light-weight and cozy on her eyes. As soon as set, it wore excellently—no smudging, smearing, or fading. And regardless of its waterproof method and long-wearing method, she famous that it wasn’t tough to take away. 

Our solely slight gripe with this method is that you just may want to use a second layer with the intention to get full, even, pigmentation, however contemplating that it’s simple to layer and the colour payoff continues to be very nice, this isn’t a serious con for us. 

System: Gel | Shades: 5| Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clear: No

Worth at time of publish: $19

Byrdie/ Tamara Staples

Kaja Wink Stamp

Amazon

What We Like

• Comes with stamping product and a separate liquid eyeliner

• Dimension and form of the stamp is good

• Richly pigmented

• Waterproof and smudge-proof

• Simple to take away

Attaining sharp, even winged eyeliner is without doubt one of the greatest make-up method challenges that many individuals face—it’s tough! That’s why merchandise like this one which discover progressive methods to assist us obtain the eyeliner seems we envision are so nice. The product comes with one pen, which has a stamp on the tip that resembles the outer wing a part of winged eyeliner, in addition to an everyday liquid eyeliner to complete the look and line the eyelids. 

When it comes to the applying course of and the effectiveness of the stamp, our tester stated it went fairly easily.

“The stamp half makes a pleasant form and provides an ideal wing,” she stated. “However, you have to get it exact the primary time as double stamping makes it actually thick.” It’s completely comprehensible {that a} device like this can take some trial and error to get good, however she liked how evenly the stamp utilized the product, and effectively the form labored to create the wing. She famous that whereas it seemed good and the method didn’t budge, it did create a little bit of a decent sensation on her eyelids. 

When it comes to the separate liquid eyeliner that the product comes with, she famous that it didn’t present the smoothest software throughout her lash line, however she was finally capable of obtain a reasonably look. There are some minor flaws to this product, however contemplating how efficient the stamp is, we predict it’s a implausible choice for winged eyeliner rookies.  

System: Liquid | Shades: 1| Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clear: No

Worth at time of publish: $29

Byrdie/ Jessica Juliao

Naked-poppy-clean-liquid-eyeliner

Bare Poppy

If in case you have delicate eyes otherwise you’re actually cautious in regards to the components in your magnificence merchandise, this can be a implausible liquid eyeliner for you. It has a easy ingredient record free from potential irritants, and the method has been ophthalmologically examined for delicate eyes. 

Except for the clear method, it performs fantastically, too. Our tester defined that the felt tip applicator and lengthy deal with made making use of the eyeliner with precision simple, and he or she shared that it dries down shortly and is totally transfer-resistant. It felt snug as she wore it, and some swipes of make-up remover dissolved it effortlessly. Her one con is that it did take a little bit of increase with the intention to obtain jet black colour payoff, however all issues thought-about, this isn’t a dealbreaker for us. 

System: Liquid | Shades: 1| Cruelty-Free: Sure | Byrdie Clear: Sure

Worth at time of publish: $25

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

Hourglass-cosmetics-15mm-mechanical-gel-eye-liner

Sephora

What We Do not Like

• When you click on up product, it might probably’t be twisted again down

• Extremely-fine pencil makes it extra susceptible to breakage and operating out of product shortly 

Eyeliner tends to be one of many extra tough make-up objects to use, which is why discovering one which makes software virtually easy is a win. This one is nice as a result of not solely does it have an extremely fantastic tip which makes getting in hard-to-reach areas and lining with precision simple, however the method additionally glides on with out tugging or dragging within the eye space. In response to our tester, it offers an intense colour payoff in a single stroke, and dries down shortly to a budge-proof end. It was additionally simple to take away, making your complete technique of utilizing it from begin to end a breeze. 

The one factor our tester shared she would have modified in regards to the product is that when you click on it up, you possibly can’t retract the product, that means that it’s a must to watch out about not clicking up an excessive amount of at a time. And since the pencil is so extremely skinny, it’s susceptible to breakage if you happen to’re not tremendous cautious. However so long as you’re acutely aware of this and solely click on up a tiny bit at a time, it’s nonetheless an important product to have in your make-up assortment, particularly if you happen to like to attract exact traces. 

System: Pencil | Shades: 5| Cruelty-Free: Sure | Byrdie Clear: No

Worth at time of publish: $20

What Our Testers Say

“Superb software! It went on easily and intensely pigmented with none difficulties. The product glided throughout my eyelids fantastically with ease, no tugging or additional stress.” —Jia Wei, Tester 

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

Last Verdict

Our high choose is the Stila Keep All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. It’s richly pigmented, has a clean method, fantastic tip applicator, and a long-wearing method—it’s good for attaining traditional winged eyeliner. However if you happen to’re searching for a pencil liner that can be utilized to create a wider vary of results, together with a smooth, subtle look, then we suggest the Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil. And if you happen to’re on the hunt for a gel eyeliner that you should utilize a brush to use, take a look at the Soften Cosmetics Extremely Matte Gel Eyeliner. 

How We Examined

Every tester began by studying the producer directions on the eyeliner they might be testing. They then utilized one layer of product, earlier than letting it sit for a minute and figuring out if a second layer was crucial. They then perfected their liner seems earlier than carrying the merchandise to check for longevity. Every eyeliner was evaluated primarily based on pigmentation, dry time, put on, and ease of elimination, and those who ranked highest are on this record. 

Different Choices We Examined

NYX Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil

This inexpensive eyeliner pencil didn’t reside as much as our tester’s expectations as she famous that she wanted to layer it to get a satisfying colour payoff, and it utilized a bit patchy to her eyelids. 

Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen Liquid Eyeliner Duo

There’s no denying that this dual-ended eyeliner pen has its execs—like having an ultra-fine tip and a bigger tip in a single product—however our tester discovered that the method bled a bit as she utilized it, and it was tough to take away. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Liner

Whereas this matte liquid eyeliner remained transfer-resistant as our tester wore, she defined that the very lengthy deal with made it tough to use, and it wanted to be layered with the intention to yield jet black pigmentation. 

Meet the Professional

Dr. Janelle Davison is a Georgia-based Optometrist with greater than 15 years of expertise offering eye care to her sufferers. She’s additionally a twenty/twenty magnificence Visionary Panel member, the place she helps to make sure that all merchandise created are efficient and eye-safe. 

What to Look For in Eyeliner

System

The method is arguably a very powerful factor to think about when shopping for an eyeliner. Why? As a result of it should vastly influence the applying course of and the result of your make-up look. When you’re seeking to create sharp, exact eyeliner, like winged eyeliner, your greatest wager is to go for a liquid liner, just like the Stila Keep All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. If you’d like a exact look however you battle to make use of liquid eyeliner, we suggest attempting a gel eyeliner, just like the Soften Cosmetics Extremely Matte Gel Eyeliner, as a result of you possibly can experiment with totally different brushes. And if you wish to create a wide range of seems, together with a subtle impact, go for a pencil just like the Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil or the Victoria Beckham Magnificence Satin Kajal Liner. 

Applicator

Not all eyeliners with the identical sort of method have the identical applicators. For instance, some liquid eyeliners have felt suggestions, whereas others have brush suggestions. Some are ultra-fine, whereas others have bigger applicators for bolder seems. The identical goes for pencils—some are extra slim whereas others are wider. When you’re planning on creating tremendous exact, sharp eyeliner seems, we suggest the Stila Keep All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. However if you happen to choose your linelined to look lived-in and subtle, we suggest the Victoria Beckham Magnificence Satin Kajal Liner—it additionally has a smudging device on finish to make attaining your look simple. 

FAQ

Perfecting your eyeliner—it doesn’t matter what model you go for—takes apply. However if you happen to’re a beginner to eyeliner altogether, we suggest going for formulation which can be extra forgiving, like creamy pencils. You’re more likely to see jagged traces or smudges with a pigmented liquid eyeliner than you might be with a pencil liner that may be subtle and simply remedied if you happen to do make a mistake. 

In response to Dr. Janelle Davidson, individuals who put on contact lenses or have delicate eyes needs to be a bit extra discerning about what eyeliner they use.

She recommends avoiding waterproof eyeliners in addition to formulation with talc, sulfates, BAK (benzalkonium chloride), and BHA.

In terms of discovering an eyeliner that’s appropriate for contact lens wearers, she recommends searching for formulation with hydrating components. “Contact lens wearers ought to gravitate towards liners which have pure components, like castor oil-a triglyceride with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, in addition to ceramides and hyaluronic acid for hydration,” says Dr. Davidson.

For these with delicate eyes, she recommends searching for eyeliner containing castor oil due to its bacteria-fighting properties, in addition to argan oil as a result of it accommodates vitamin E and linoleic acid, which help lash progress. And earlier than attempting a brand new method, she extremely recommends doing a patch check. “Eyeliner wearers with delicate eyes ought to all the time do a patch check by making use of a small quantity on the lid margin and look ahead to an acute response previous to making use of a brand new eyeliner.”

Individuals have been carrying eyeliner on the waterline for a few years,

however it’s not usually really helpful by eye medical doctors. In response to Dr. Davidson, it’s greatest to avoid wasting carrying eyeliner in your waterline for particular events and to keep away from doing so regularly. “The waterline homes the meibomian glands, and these glands are essential in sustaining the pure steadiness of the ocular floor tear movie,” she explains. “The meibomian glands secret meibum, which is the lipid layer of the tear movie and helps the tear movie coat and stick with the attention. Meibomian gland dysfunction is a precursor to dry eye illness, and research have proven that ladies who put on eye make-up have a better prevalence of dry eye illness.” 

Why Belief Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an skilled author within the magnificence business and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has examined dozens of eyeliners, together with a number of on this record. She obtained a bachelor’s diploma from the Style Institute of Know-how, the place she studied advertising and marketing and product improvement within the cosmetics business in addition to vogue enterprise advertising and marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce author at Byrdie since 2022, the place she covers all issues magnificence.